Delivery trucks from Amazon are ever-present on city streets. In recent years, we’ve become accustomed to seeing these iconic blue vans driving around with packages loaded inside.

However, the rise of Amazon’s delivery dominance hasn’t made highways smooth sailing. The potential for accidents on busy roads sparks questions about who’s to blame after a crash for delivery drivers.

In the case of Amazon delivery truck accidents, liability is the big question. An Amazon driver may be liable for your injuries. But can Amazon be held responsible for its delivery drivers’ actions? In the event of a serious injury, what happens?

In the aftermath of a collision involving a delivery truck, several issues can impact your right to sue for personal injuries or wrongful deaths. Therefore, it is important to know what to do to seek fair compensation.

How Do I Deal With an Accident Involving Amazon?

An accident with Amazon’s delivery truck driver can be a confusing experience, so knowing what steps to take can help you recover.

Prioritize Your Safety

Following an accident, the first 60 minutes can be critical. It’s called the “golden hour” in emergency medicine, and there’s a good reason for it. There’s a possibility that your body’s natural stress response masks your pain or injury. Adrenaline gives you the feeling that you are not hurt, even when you are.

The first thing you should do is call 911. It’s important to have police and medical professionals on the scene, even if it’s just a minor bump. If you can, move away from traffic while waiting for help.

Gather as Much Evidence as Possible

Accident scenes tell stories; you should record every detail while the scene is fresh. Take a photo of the damage, the license plate of the Amazon truck, and any markings related to the company.

A surprising fact about Amazon’s delivery drivers is that they are typically employed by contractors called DSPs (Delivery Service Providers). When filing a claim against Amazon, photos of company information on the truck can be very helpful. 

Besides photos, you should also gather the following evidence:

• Name and contact information of the Amazon driver

• The license plate number of their vehicle

• Details about the Amazon vehicle (make, model, etc.)

• Information about their insurance coverage

You should also get the names and contact information of witnesses. If there is any disagreement later, witnesses can be very helpful in verifying what transpired.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Don’t admit fault to the Amazon driver, the police, or anyone else. No matter how partially responsible you think you are, you should avoid saying anything that could be used against you later. Do not discuss details such as speed, who had the right of way, etc. The best thing to do is to let the insurance company or lawyer determine fault based on all the evidence.

What You Need to Know About Amazon Delivery Truck Drivers

A delivery driver for Amazon, including a DSP, may behave differently than a commercial motorist. Drivers for Amazon may face unique constraints and pressures, creating unique risks for them and anyone else sharing the road with them.

Keep these essential facts in mind whenever you’re driving with Amazon delivery trucks and vans:

There is a possibility that the Amazon delivery driver is on their 12th hour of work. Many of these drivers work extremely long shifts, and you may be driving alongside them at the end of one. As a result, Amazon drivers are more likely to experience fatigue and impairment.

There is a limited amount of time for them to get from one location to another. Amazon delivery vehicles typically move quickly, with only minutes between drop-offs. Many drivers skip safety rules because of this. It has even been reported that some drivers try to save time and keep up with Amazon’s rigid schedules by cutting safety corners intentionally, like not wearing seatbelts or speeding.

Their workload is incredibly demanding. The quotas associated with these drivers are usually eye-watering. As a result, some Amazon delivery drivers have found themselves on the hook for exceeding unreasonable and excessive delivery quotas that have jumped the ante on their earnings and employment.

Amazon may be liable for their crashes. Amazon may share fault for DSP crashes and damage when they occur. While Amazon has teams of lawyers devoted to fighting this liability, accident attorneys have the skills to fight it in court and establish fault outside it.

Suing Amazon for Damages

A lawsuit against Amazon might be possible if the driver is an Amazon employee. However, delivery truck drivers for Amazon are often employees of another company that has contracted with Amazon. The exception is Wholefood’s delivery drivers.

An insurance settlement is typically the most effective way to resolve a truck crash claim, even though a lawsuit may be possible. In the event of a truck accident, if the driver is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to file a claim against the truck’s liability insurance.

Due to fear of missing other deliveries and getting fired, the driver might want to rush out of there. In most cases, the police should be called after a crash, and all parties involved must remain at the scene for a while.

Depending on the company, some delivery drivers are insured while others are not. If their employer does not provide insurance, drivers should purchase it to cover damages if they are responsible for the crash. Delivery drivers carrying personal vehicle insurance may not be covered if they are involved in an accident while making a delivery. There is likely a need for them to purchase separate commercial insurance coverage.

Make your Accident Claim Easy With the Help of a Lawyer

After an Amazon delivery truck accident, handling claims can be a real challenge. The insurance industry may attempt to limit how much they pay due to the many layers of coverage, different types of drivers, and various insurance policies. Trying to figure out which policy applies, what’s covered, and who to contact can be overwhelming.

Hiring a lawyer is beneficial in this situation. A lawyer who understands accident law is experienced in navigating all the details and dealing directly with the insurance companies on your behalf. Besides handling the paperwork, they can gather evidence and represent you in court. When you work with a lawyer, you can concentrate on getting well while they work to get you fair compensation.